finishing "build"... few questions

Im finishing my first SR25 "build" in 308 and looking at barrels. First question 1) what is the difference between the Rainier ultramatch and match barrels (looking at the 18" ones) most of my target shooting will be out to 600 yards looking to be able to possibly stretch that to 800 eventually. 2) is the ultramatch worth the extra $100 or so? Lastly 3)what is the "best" powder for relaoding 308? Im looking to use one powder for my hunting loads and my target loads. I plan on pushing 150gr-178gr bullets depending on what the gun ultimately decides it likes the best. Thanks for the help!

Can't help you on the barrels.

Best bolt action .308 powder is H-Varget
Gas gun powder, Chad turned me on to IMR 8208 and it creates some nice velocity in the AR platform. Varget's burn rate means it would produce a slower MV in the AR. I loaded the 155 gr. Sierra Tipped Match King to gain velocity while using a bullet that has a higher BC than the 175 SMK or 178 A-Max. I would walk the same path again, I actually got the combination correct.

Thanks for the response much appreciated!!! headed to Cabelas this weekend might will pick up 8208 if they have any!

Taddi, I can't help you on the barrel either but an extra $100 will seem minor if you are building a highly accurate AR. Who is building your rifle?

Another piece of advice, if you take FiremanJG's shooting class, DON'T let him shoot your rifle! He will leave gremlins in your rifle causing all kinds of jams and ftfs requiring a full exorcism to fix it.

I think I finally shook off those bugs.

that is my goal to take JG's class then shoot the hunters challenge. I will more than likely be the one buliding it. I havent looked in to getting someone else to put the upper together for me.

Rainier get it's barrels from Shilen. They are machined to Rainier specs on the outside. Go to the Shilen page and read up on the differences between a Shilen "Match barrel and a Shillen "Select Match" barrel. There is your difference to weigh if the extra wampum is worth it.

30378 thanks! I will def look in to that. i knew the ultramatch was but they match doesnt say what they use.